Looking for a good budget gaming build

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Hey guys, Gathering parts lists for possible new gaming machine builds. Basically just deciding on what CPU to build around. I plan on running CFX HD 7850's, re using the one in my current rig, and buying another to match it. I am not brand partial on anything except I prefer Asus mobos. But keep in mind this is going to be a budget build, and I'm not one to spend a ton to have the fastest thing out there. I would like it to be around $900 or so for the rig, including a copy of Win 7, minus the extra GPU. Max is $1000. I will probably run my single 7850 for awhile, and then buy the second one at a later date.

I have 3 CPU's in mind at the moment, the FX 8350, the FX 9370, and I5 3570K. The 9370 made it to my list only because it comes with a liquid cooler, and I would proably be buying one for the other 2 CPU's anyways as I plan to OC, so it seems to be around the same price range if the liquid coolers are added with the others. Have also thought of the FX 6300 or 8320 to save a bit more, but not sure about the 6300 for the CFX 7850's. As far as Intel goes, the I5 CPU's are pretty much max as far a price goes. Any input and opinions are appreciated! Please, no fan boy crap. Don't care about branding, just price for performance.
 
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lunyone
No the case is just personal option. I don't mind a somewhat bland case, since it's going to be hidden mostly for me, but to each his own. I'd rather spend the $ on other parts or a better GPU, but that is just me.

Here's another option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State...
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Good deal, looks like 1866 will be the way to go. Also, starting to think I will just go with a R9 280X instead of the CFX 7850s. Was going to do that for cost reasons, but since I will be gifting my current machine to my dad, It will need a card. And I'm sure not gonna put that old GTS 250 back in it lol. Anyways, here is the config I am most likely going to go with...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($117.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.65 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($307.27 @ TigerDirect)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1089.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-15 05:20 EST-0500)

If there is anything on here that I can replace with a cheaper part, please let me know:) The things I really don't know a whole lot about are power supplies, and hard drives. I've heard that the Western Digital black drives are pretty fast. As far as the PSU goes, I just picked a cheaper 750 Watt thats a known brand. With planning to OC the CPU and GPU, I figure the extra watts can't hurt.

Edit: Was also going to ask, is there a performance advantage for 8 core CPU's running Windows 8.1? I've heard alot of people complain about the touch screen looking layout of 8.1, but have also heard it is capable of better utilizing more cores than Win 7 is.
 
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Yea, I do have a Segate 7200.12 I believe it is in my current machine. It has been nothing but reliable, but it is a bit on the slow side compared to some others out there. I suppose the newer Seagate 7200's would be a safe bet, and they seem to be as fast as anything WD has out there, except maybe a velociraptor. Seagate is cheaper in many cases I think.

Have you or anyone you know used Apevia PSU's? I have a 680 W Apevia in this machine, and it has been good over the year I've owned it. And it was $50 too. But I've heard people complain about them being unreliable and even seen reviews on some of the higher wattage ones that smoked peoples mobos. I've heard that XFX PSU's are very nice for what they cost though.
 
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Stay away from Apevia, from personal experience and from others that I've read about. I'd stick with Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, PCP&C, & XFX if I were you. I strive for at least 80 PLUS Bronze Certified PSU's and probably around 500-600w for most uses (leaves room for future upgrades too).
 
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Yea that's kinda what I thought I'd hear about Apevia lol. I probably got lucky with the one I have now, I didn't do any research before I bought it too, which generally ends badly, thankfully not this time! Anyways, I found a corsair cx750m for $60, 80+ bronze and semi modular. Haven't looked at lower wattage ones yet though. 600 W would be enough to run my probable setup with overclocking on the GPU and CPU? If so and it's cheaper, that will be the route I go for the PSU.
 
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Most excellent, here is the revised parts list, it will most likely be the exact config I build.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.79 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($306.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1068.70
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-27 01:29 EST-0500)
 
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I would tweak it just a bit to fit an SSD in, IMHO:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($68.85 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1049.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-27 01:48 EST-0500)

* CPU good, if your not OC'ing and is $50 less!
* RAM you selected is 1.65v at 1600 mHz which isn't that good. I selected a set that runs at stock voltage (1.5v) and is 1866 mHz speed (added bonus).
* Added a SSD for Boot drive and a few games/apps. You'll thank me later! :)
* Changed GPU to Asus DCII model, which is pretty good for the $!
* Case changed to a good one that isn't too expensive and will last for several upgrades too!

So I have also limited the online stores to 3 (you have 6....), so you will have a bit easier time, IF you need to deal with returns. They are also ones that I don't mind working with and that have good customer service.

I have built a system above that is cheaper and also added and SSD for quickness within and around the OS. Now you could put that extra $ into a better GPU, but I'd wait for the R9 290's to come out with the aftermarket cooling options (the stock OEM one sucks!).
 
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Very nice, I like it alot! So the 8320 isn't as good for OCing as the 8350? I do plan to OC, but not heavily. If it wont make much of a difference, the 8320 will be a go I think. Thanks for the catch on that RAM, I didnt notice that at all. I like the idea of the SSD as well. The phantom case I had on there was mostly just a looks thing, I heard they were decent, and have yet to find one I like better looks wise. If it is a quality issue, I'll definitely get a different one. Are there any decently priced cases besides the 200 that look a little less bland and are good build quality too?

I think the case is the one thing on there that I'd like to change from what you made, but thats only really because it is ugly lol. Probably just me being anal about things.
 
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No the case is just personal option. I don't mind a somewhat bland case, since it's going to be hidden mostly for me, but to each his own. I'd rather spend the $ on other parts or a better GPU, but that is just me.

Here's another option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($85.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card ($405.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1095.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-30 23:14 EST-0500)

I'd just wait for the NON-reference GPU cards (ones with better cooling solutions), but this will give you an idea on price. If you want to OC than the 8350 is the way to go.
 
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Solution


Well, after reading up a bit on the 8320, it looks like a great option. I've read that you can OC it to 8350 stock clocks (Or pretty close) fairly easily, which would be enough for me I'm sure. Especially with an R9 290 in there. That build there is a really nice option as a whole, upgrading the GPU with a cheaper CPU looks really nice. So if I go with this one, waiting for the GPU manufacturers to make their own cooling solutions is recommended? So, does that mean they are still currently using AMD's basic in house designed cooling?

 
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Last I checked they were still using the stock OEM cooling option, which isn't that good. It'll work, but I don't like what I'm reading (loud and hot). It's ultimately up to you on what you want to do with the GPU, but if you need to buy now, you can always get the R9 280x. If you have some time before buying, I would wait for the upgraded cooling options for the R9 290. You can buy your own aftermarket options too, but I'm not sure if you wan to take on water cooling for the GPU or not.
 
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Well, I plan on buying the parts kind of in a piece by piece way. So it will take awhile to get everything together anyways. I prefer doing that anyways not only for financial reasons, but it seems to be more satisfying when you turn it on for the first time after it takes awhile to assemble everything:) Yea, not to keen on setting up 2 water cooling systems in one case, so I'll probably just wait for the non reference cards to come out and go with the 290. I'm thinking a Twin frozr setup, or the Asus cooling setup will do just fine cooling that beast. I'll probably but the case, mobo, and CPU first, and then go from there. If at all necessary, I can (lol) use my old GTS 250 to at least make sure the system works until getting the 290. I did hear that the non-ref cards may come out as early as late Dec or early Jan, so that's not too bad of a wait.

Any recommendations on what parts to buy first or what order is best to buy everything?
 
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I personally buy everything close, because if I have any issues with the parts, I can then send them back for replacement. Most websites usually only give you 30 days to return, so I try and get a couple of good weeks of stress testing on the new parts. I mainly do a slight burn-in the first few days and then do some stress testing after that. It's up to you on what you want to do, but I'd recommend saving up and buying all at once, if you can do that. Otherwise I'd probably go with the Case, PSU, HDD, OS, & DVD drive first and then buy the Mobo, RAM, & GPU last, if you have to split things up. Most Cases/PSU's/HDD's/DVD's are pretty solid (assuming you buy some quality ones), so they are a pretty safe bet.
 
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Alrighty then, I think I have all the info I need to start buying stuff. I'll probably buy the parts in 2 separate groups, in the order you recommended. That last config you posted has won it for me. It won't hurt to wait to buy some of the stuff anyways as I'll have to wait for the non reference 290's to come out. Anyways, thanks for all the advice and configs everyone!
 
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Thanks again for your help on this build! I have bought and assembled all the parts, minus the new GPU! Powered it on using my old GTS 250 as the GPU, and everything worked. SSD and HDD were both recognized in BIOS at the correct size, RAM configuration went perfectly, and all fans spun up as they should. BIOS is even the latest version. Ended up springing the extra money for AMD Radeon 1866 RAM after seeing the AMD memory profile feature it has. All I have done so far is go through the BIOS settings and configure boot order, and RAM settings, fan settings, and making sure everything plugged in was recognized correctly. I left it on for about 30 min, just on the BIOS screen to ensure it would stay on and makes sure the temps were staying normal. then powered off. I'm hoping to get windows installed this weekend and begin some stress testing on the CPU and RAM.

As far as the GPU goes, it appears I will have to wait awhile to get the R9 290 I want, as they are all sold out and very bloated in price at the moment. But, I can always use my 7850 from this rig for gaming for now, or just leave the GTS in there. Hopefully when more 290 partner boards come out, the price will stabilize a bit. Will update again when I begin my stress testing and benchmarking. Cheers!
 
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Yea it's really unfortunate what has happened to the AMD cards prices lately, r9 280x cards going for the price r9 290s were at launch. Of course, this has to happen when i decide to build a new rig hahaha! It really sucks as I really don't want to buy an Nvidia card either, so I'm kind of stuck until the pricing stabilizes. At least the 7850 should work fine on the monitor I have at the moment. It'll really be nice to see what this thing can do with a more powerful card in there!

I wouldn't mind paying $500 for an Asus DCU II or Sapphire Tri X 290, but $600 is just ridiculous!!!

 
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Well, got windows installed and all the drivers. Everything works perfectly! No coil whine from the PSU either, which I've heard the CX 750's like to do. This thing boots lightening fast! like 5 to 10 secs! I'll go ahead and thank you right away for the SSD boot drive recommendation. The H60 works quite well, so silent and very cool. Overall, I am very happy with this system, looks like it will be quite some time before I need an upgrade. As far as the GPU goes, I have decided I'll probably just go with an R9 280X since I'm only running 1920x1080 resolution at the moment. I've been researching the different models, and I am very impressed with the Sapphire Toxic version. Even for the bloated price, that thing still seems very worth it.

I do have one question, when running Prime95 for the stress testing (about 2 hours) I had 2 very different CPU temps being reported by Hardware monitor. BIOS settings are optimized defaults right now, with only CPU Q fan disabled. Under the temperatures section above Mobo temp, it lists the CPU temp at 54 degrees C, then under the CPU section, it says "Packages", which it reports at about 40 degrees C. Is that packages part the indivdual cores all bundled into one reading? And which one should I go by when I decide to OC this CPU (FX 8320 by the way)? Ambient in the room is roughly 18 C, maybe a bit lower than that. Other than that confusing temp readout, the stress test went smoothly, no errors or warnings after about 3 hours of Prime95.
 
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I'm not too familiar with the accuracy of hardware monitor, but if you have had good temps (even 54 degrees C is good) then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Prime95 is probably the hardest that you would probably run the CPU at, so if it runs well and pretty cool (which it looks like you are) then I would be content with what you have setup there.

The Sapphire Toxic model looks good to me. Asus Direct CUII is also a good model too (from what I've read), so either selection should be good. I think if you want any 4k gaming in the near future (which most people don't even want to spend $ on another monitor upgrade) you should be just fine with the 280x GPU.

Once you have experienced an SSD, than it's hard to go back to a regular mechanical HD :) Sorry to have started the "Crack" like feeling on the SSD speeds, but I have an SSD in my laptop (256 gb) and a 128 gb boot drive on my desktop (not used too much these days). I try and budget in an SSD on any build that I put together (usually do 2-6/year), if at all possible because of the speed boost you get in and around the OS.
 
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Yea it seems to run pretty cool, even after slight OCing (if you want to call it that) the 8320 a bit to 4.0 Ghz @ 1.312 V I still only see about 48 degrees max on the cores, closer to 65 on that CPU/Mobo section, but I've read it's not as accurate as the core reading are. Core temp 1.0 reported exactly the same readings as the core section of HW Monitor did. Since the CPU/Mobo section is also reporting a phantom reading of nothing that shows 128 degrees C, I believe that section is buggy. No crashing or errors of any kind so I'm OK with it. And of course, normal load temps don't even come close to those readings!

Hard to decide on what 280X to go with, but either way I guess there's no wrong choice. Never owned a Sapphire card, but I have heard good stuff about them, so now may be a good time to give one of their cards a go.

Hahaha it is absolutely ridiculous how much faster that SSD is than my HDD in the other rig, I can't see myself ever going back to the HDD boot disk again either. And no defragging! That amount of performance increase is too much to ignore! Already thinking of upgrading the Phenom 965 rig with a new mobo, case, and PSU for my dad to use, and when I gave him the price list, an SSD was included in it😀
 
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See I told you an SSD would change your mind :)

SapphireAsus are the primary GPU companies that I'd consider. I've had Sapphire cards for years (since about 1998) and haven't had any real big issues with them. Asus has been doing some good things over the years and seem to have a good record (from what I've read). I currently have an XFX 6850 GPU, but I haven't done any long gaming sessions on it, because I'm too busy.

Glad to see that you feel the same about including an SSD into a build for snappiness in and around the OS. It's not always needed, if your budget doesn't allow it, but it definitely makes things feel quicker.
 
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